Rewards outweigh risks for most equestrians
Most riders hear some form of this sentiment from their trainers: “Horses are not motorcycles.” The lesson being, of course, that horses have minds of their own. They aren’t machines, and they definitely don’t come with instruction manuals.
What there is, rather, is a secret handshake between horse and rider that’s constantly evolving.
Given the risks of horse riding, and the hefty price tag of lessons, gear, and a horse (if you buy your own), many non-equestrians wonder if horseback riding can possibly fun enough.
Here are 3 reasons the answer is a resounding YES!
Forge an incredible bond
Riding is all about the bond you build with your horse. There’s an unspoken language between horse and rider, and it’s unique from rider to rider and horse to horse.
The stronger your bond, the bigger the thrill when you’re jumping or competing cross-country. The stronger partnership you build, the bigger the rush you’ll get sliding to a stop in your reining pattern or rounding that third barrel. The bigger goals you set together, the more rewarding it will be working your way up the dressage levels.
Whichever discipline you choose, tackling new challenges alongside your equine partner is SO fun!
There’s no bond like that between horse and rider.
The foundation of any healthy relationship is trust. Learn 3 ways to gain your horses’ trust and respect.
Live in the moment
Riding takes fun to new levels outside the arena, too.
When horse and rider are galloping through an open field, splashing through puddles, there’s nothing in front of you but open space.
Past worries fade away, and future concerns fall by the wayside.
Living completely in the present is Hollywood-esque. It feels like you could run for hours without a care in the world.
Photo Credit: Patricia Kelly
With great risk can come great reward. See why horses are dangerous, but worth the risk.
Take the good with the bad
Not only are horses not motorcycles, they’re not dogs either. While the relationship between horse and rider is unique, it’s still a relationship.
How many relationships do you know that are perfect?
Horses don’t always greet you at the door, so to speak, tail a-wagging. A horse’s affection isn’t unconditional, but taking the good with the bad makes your relationship with horses even more meaningful.
And those lessons you learn about acceptance, patience, and empathy? They extend to every other relationship in your life.
Not every moment will be fun… and that’s OK!
Butterflies in your stomach? Discover our 33 tips for nervous riders who want to stay calm and focused.
There’s no time like the present
With riding, as with all things, there will be road blocks, barriers, and times when you take one step forward and two steps back.
But with every step forward, your horse-human bond deepens.
Whether you’re slipping your boots into the stirrups for the first time or the five hundredth, whether you own, lease, or borrow your horse, this sport will quickly steal your heart. Horses will become part of your family, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever had fun without them!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- Why horses are dangerous (but worth the risk)
- 3 Fear-free ways to gain your horse’s trust and respect
- 33 Things you can do today to calm your riding nerves forever
- Scared to ride your horse? Get your mojo back
- What are some ways to gain confidence riding horses
